“When You Retire” – Denny Hamlin Makes Fun of NASCAR’s “Tape” Fiasco as He Confirms to Have Set a Record

Denny Hamlin has just entered the top-15 list of all-time Cup Series winners in the history of NASCAR. He took over his old teammate, Tony Stewart, who previously held the spot. Etching his name deeper in Pocono Raceway’s history, he claimed his 7th overall victory there. It could have been his 2nd consecutive one, but for a technical infraction that disqualified the then teammates Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch from the 1st and 2nd positions last year, resulting in Chase Elliott being promoted to P1.

The infraction was caused due to an extra layer of clear vinyl tape on both corners of the front facia ahead of the openings of the front wheel. However, Hamlin took the chequered flag again this year to get to his 50th Cup Series win and to take Toyota to the tally of 600 wins in NASCAR. When asked during the post-race conference about holding the record for most wins at Pocono, Hamlin jokingly referred to last year’s incident as he acknowledged his record.

Denny Hamlin answers what it means for him to reach his 50th career win at Pocono

Denny Hamlin would have got the record last year for most wins at Pocono if not for his disqualification. The #11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver described his emotions when asked about how his 50th race win coming at Pocono means to him. He was asked, “Now that you do have 50 wins. The significance of your 50 wins being at Pocono, has it set in yet? If so, what are the emotions you’re feeling?”

“No, I mean, stuff like this doesn’t sit in for a while,” said Hamlin.

“That’s one thing that we’re always guilty of, is not appreciating it in the moment. When you retire and you got a bunch of time, you’re sitting there on your rocker on your back porch, you’re thinking about, what have I accomplished, right, in the sport,” he continued.

“These things take a long time to sit in. They really do. I never thought I’d get an opportunity in the Cup Series. Luckily, J.D. Gibbs took a chance and Joe Gibbs took a chance on me nearly 20 years ago. To get my 50th win, it comes down to the track that I got my first. It certainly is special.”

“You also have a solo record for most wins at Pocono.” one of the reporters mentioned.

“At eight, right?” Hamlin asked.

“Seven…Sorry…Eight it is. You earned it today,” the reported said.

Hamlin had a cheeky response to it, as he said, “There’s no tape on the car this time, that’s for sure,”

Hamlin’s crew chief also spoke on how the Pocono Raceway has been a special track for the team as he celebrated Hamlin’s efforts of taking the chequered flag two years in a row.

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Chris Gabehart applauds the team on their efforts to keep finding winning ways at Pocono

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The reporters asked Hamlin’s crew chief to reflect on how it feels to win at Pocono after last year’s disappointment: “Chris, I’ll ask the same question. After what went down last year, how sweet is it to come back and get another win here?”

“I am a little afraid to talk because I know the car is not through tech yet. Seriously though, really sweet,” said Chris.

It’s Pocono magic. I can’t think of a better NASCAR track than Pocono to win at because it literally takes every facet of the game: fast cars, fast drivers, aggressive driving, fuel mileage, strategy, aggressive restarts. It just takes it all. With Denny leading it from the driver’s seat, this team is very versatile,” he added.

What are your thoughts on Hamlin’s win at Pocono? Do you think Kyle Larson could have overtaken him if not for the incident between the two? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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